Competencies

The education of the dental hygienist emphasizes the basic and dental sciences, which include microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, oral histology and embryology, nutrition and oral pathology. Other components of the curriculum are designed to develop the clinical skills of the dental hygienist so that preventive dental health services can be provided to the public.

The goal of the Dental Hygiene Program is to help students develop clinical competency and proficiency in preventive and therapeutic oral health skills, and to help students develop the personal characteristics of a professional attitude, ethical behavior and dedication to community service and continuing education.

The Dental Hygiene Program Competency Document has defined 10 “Competencies” which reflect its mission, interests and commitment to education. In this document, a “Competency” will be defined as a broad category of professional activity that the Dental Hygiene Program has identified as necessary for the successful beginning general practitioner to achieve. Each Competency has several specific related tasks, which must be mastered to attain the Competency. These specific tasks will be defined as “Supporting Competencies.”

The dental hygiene curriculum contains materials, which enhance and complement curricular competencies. These types of experiences include both clinical and behavioral knowledge and skills. These supplemental experiences will be called “significant learning experiences.” Each curricular course syllabus contains specific learning objectives addressed in that course.

DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM COMPETENCIES

COMPETENCY 1 - The graduate must be competent in assessing dental hygiene treatment needs for the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric dental and special needs patient.

Supporting Competencies

The graduate must be competent to:

1.1 - Systematically collect, analyze and record data on the general, oral and psychosocial health status of clients using methods consistent with medico-legal and ethical principles.

1.2 - Obtain, review and/or update and interpret an accurate medical/dental history and vital signs, recognizing predisposing and etiological risk factors that require intervention to prevent and control disease and conditions that require special precautions or consideration prior to or during dental hygiene care.

COMPETENCY 4 - The graduate must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for all types of classifications of periodontal disease including patients who exhibit moderate to severe periodontal disease.

4.4 - Evaluate the results of periodontal treatment and establish and monitor an appropriate maintenance program within the scope of dental hygiene responsibilities.

COMPETENCY 5 - The graduate must be competent in applying ethical, legal and regulatory concepts to the provision and/or support of oral health care services.

Supporting Competencies

The graduate must be competent to:

5.1 - Apply the principles and laws of the Texas State Dental Practice Act and Rules and Regulations to the practice of dental hygiene.

5.2 - Apply the principles of ethical behavior and apply these principles in decision-making and interactions with patients, staff and colleagues, and in personal conduct.

5.3 - Provide humane and compassionate care to all patients, maintain honesty and confidentiality in interactions with patients, and serve patients and interact with colleagues and auxiliary personnel without discrimination.

COMPETENCY 6 - The graduate must be competent in providing appropriate life support measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in dental hygiene practice.

Supporting Competencies

The graduate must be competent to:

6.1 - Determine medical conditions that require special precautions or consideration prior to or during dental hygiene treatment.

6.2 - Identify patients at risk for a medical emergency and assure that the appropriate precautions are taken to minimize those risks.

6.3 - Manage a medical emergency should it occur during an appointment.

8.2 - Possess knowledge and professional motivation to take an active part in professional organizations.

8.3 - Assume the role(s) of a dental hygienist professionally, clinically, as an educator, researcher and agent for change and an advocate for consumers.

8.4 - Recognize the importance of lifelong learning by seeking to maintain and improve professional competency through continuing education, evaluation of published clinical and scientific literature, and developing the ability to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.

COMPETENCY 9 - The graduate must be competent in the evaluation of current scientific literature.

Supporting Competencies

The graduate must be competent to:

9.1 - Apply knowledge of research design and methodology to review research.